Welcome to Up North, Close By

August 2009

The busy summer is slowly dwindling down and as it comes to an end it ushers in the
remaining free time families have to take their family on trips Up North, Close By to create treasured timeless memories. While spending your last lazy days before school and extra curricular activities consume your time, be sure to check out the following fun events unique to the beautiful Ludington Area.

Western Michigan Old Engine Club Annual Show

 West Michigan Old Engine Club 36th Annual Show at Riverside Park, Scottville, MI is on August 1-2, 2009.The Western Michigan’s Old Engine Club Annual Show is a yearly event celebrating the county’s rich agricultural traditions and current industry. The weekend features tractor parades, a daily stage with entertainment, flea market, kid’s pedal pull and games, tractor pulls. There will be many attractions for visitors to check out which include: Stationary Engines, a Kahlenberg Engine, Shingle Mill & Branding, Corn Shelling/Grinding demos, a Dowel Machine, a Machine Shop, Club Yard Sales, a Flea Market and so much more!

Admission into the event is $5.00 per persons 12 years and older. Kids under 12 get in free. Due to Bridge Construction all traffic must approach show grounds from the south. There are activities scheduled from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday and beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. 

Friday Night Live

Be Sure Not To Miss the LAST FNL on Friday, August 7, 2009. Friday Night Live 2009 is filled with booths, activities, music and affordable fun for the entire family. Whether you enjoy pirates, or wish to honor public safety personnel, climb a rock wall, bounce houses, enjoy live music, sample some wonderful local fare, or just take in a wonderful Friday evening in Downtown Ludington, there is something for you at Friday Night Live. The entertainment and activities will be centered on the evening’s theme of Blessing of the Badges, a tribute to all area emergency and service personnel.

2009 Scottville Music Fest!

Get Your Boogie on at the 2009 Scottville Music Fest! Saturday, August 8, 2009. The 2nd annual Music Fest is held smack in the middle of Main Street in historic Downtown Scottville, MI beginning at 11:00 a.m. This family friendly day long event is put on by the Scottville Main Street Organization and boasts two stages, a beer tent, dozens of performers, kids activities and workshops, food vendors, and best of all, IT’S FREE!

Performers include Jeff Daniels, The Scottville Clown Band, Brena, Kevin Kimes & Beaune Road, and many more.

2009 Gold Coast Artisan Fair

Pick Up a Few Things for Your Home When You Visit the 2009 Gold Coast Artisan Fair, Saturday/Sunday, August 8-9, 2009. The 26th Annual Gold Coast Artisan Fair will be held at City Park in downtown Ludington Sat. 10 - 6 p.m. / Sun. 10 - 4 p.m. Nearly 200 crafters from around the country will sell their unique, handmade items. 

1st Annual Suds on the Shore

How About a Small Taste at the 1st Annual Suds on the Shore Festival on Saturday, August 22, 2009.  
Activities will occur from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ludington City Park. Festivities include: Homebrew Contest, Micro Brew Tasting, and Live Music!

Movies in the Park!

Don’t Forget the Popcorn When You Attend Ludington’s Movies in the Park! Throughout August grab your favorite movie snacks a blanket or chair to park on and take your family and friends to Movies in the Park, held in Ludington City Park located at Ludington Avenue and Lewis Street. Movies are held each Thursday at dusk and are FREE family fun! 

On August 6, 2009 the movie Kung Fu Panda will be featured and their will be a karate demonstration as well. On August 13, 2009 the movie Madagascar 2 will be featured and the S.S. Mini Badger will be giving all kids a ride. On August 20, 2009 the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End will be featured and there will be a Pirate Ship and Pirate Costume Contest. On August 27th, 2009 the movie High School Musical 3 will be featured and there will be face painting and a cheer demonstration.

Scottville Clown Band concert and Corn Roast

Just Clowning Around at Historic White Pine Village with a Scottville Clown Band concert and Corn Roast scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

This annual concert featuring the combined sounds of the Pentwater Civic Band and the Scottville Clown Band is a popular summer event. The evening begins with a corn roast prepared by volunteers of the Mason County Historical Society that features fresh roasted sweet corn, bratwurst, hot dogs, chips and beverages. This is followed by an outstanding concert by the combined bands, usually numbering some fifty to sixty talented musicians. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for your hillside seat and have an enjoyable evening of entertainment at Historic White Pine Village. The concert and corn roast will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon

If you want to try a triathlon or a dualathlon Ludington is the place to be for the Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon and dualathlon! 

The races are scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2009. The white sandy beaches, beautiful sand dunes and great area amenities are good reason to visit and race.

This course lends itself for the entire race. There’s a slight breeze off the lake that will push your bike spinning away at 35 mph without breaking a sweat. The ride is great with little traffic. The swim is held in the protected crystal clear waters of the marina along the break wall. The run portion heads straight down Lakeshore Drive before cutting through Cartier Park Campground. 

Bike Night

Ride over to the Ludington Area on Saturday, August 29, 2009 for Bike Night. Listen to the live music, stroll along James Street to check out the bikes, and visit the many restaurants and watering holes. Join more than a thousand of your fellow bikers to park, walk, and gawk in downtown Ludington. Event activities will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Take in the Sights!

August also offers visitors ample opportunity to do so much more than take in one of the areas many festivals, block parties, and sandy beaches!

Get a few strokes in at one of the areas golf courses!

Exercise your imagine and explore the Sandcastle Castles Children Museum.

See what you find and learn at the Ludington State Park.

Visit the past at Historic White Pine Village.

Package deals

Anytime through the year, Visitors can take advantage of the many packages offered by Ludington Area lodging facilities and other CVB Members. Check out the current packages and member deals in the Packages & Deals section of our website.